Cody

Thompson

Wolford spend last season with the Buccaneers, but did not see any playing time. He was brought back to compete for the backup job, but it seems Kyle Trask has won the role. Wolford is a former UDFA who is a candidate to be brought back on the practice squad or sign elsewhere for a backup or emergency third quarterback role. The Buccaneers also released WR Cody Thompson, keeping five wideouts on the squad. Tampa’s 53-man roster is now finalized, with Thompson’s cut most notably meaning the team is keeping four tight ends heading into the season.

Thompson has spent the last four season with the Seahawks, contributing mainly on special teams and splitting time between the active roster and practice squad. He made his first career catch last season for 10 yards, but was seldom used offensively. The Buccaneers had waived receiver and special-teamer Deven Thompkins with an injury designation last week and now replace him with Thompson.

Running back Kenneth Walker and wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett will all play after popping on the team’s injury report at various points this week. The Seahawks could need all hands on deck against one of the top defenses in the league through seven weeks.

Thompson is a 6-foot-1, 205-pounder from Toledo who went undrafted after showing 4.57 wheels at the NFL Scouting Combine. As a senior in 2018, Thompson caught 48 passes for 647 yards with 10 touchdowns despite splitting the offense with two other NFL prospects. With little depth behind Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman -- assuming Tyreek Hill isn’t available in 2019 -- the Chiefs are in desperate need for capable rotation players. Perhaps Thompson turns into an option.

Day 3, in case you didn’t know, means somewhere between rounds 4-7. Zierlein notes there are positives here, including Thompson’s (6'1/205) “Above-average body control to box out or make mid-air adjustments,” and that he can change speeds to gain separation. There are speed concerns here, however (he ran a 4.57 second 40-yard dash), and he can be beaten with press coverage. Special teams will be important for Thompson, but he was a very efficient receiver for the Rockets, and has a good chance to be a late-round pick because of it.

Thompson (6'1/205) didn’t move the needle in the forty, but he did have a 38.5-inch vertical jump and finished tied for first in the short shuttle time with a time of 4.03 seconds. That will move the needle. At Toledo, Thompson was one of the least efficient receivers, posting a 7.4 YPT with a 55% catch rate. While Thompson has the athleticism to make it, his on-field profile puts him in ugly company. Consider Thompson a Day 3 flier for now.

No surprise, but it’s still nice to see. Thompson was a very productive wideout for the Rockets, and he’s going to get a chance to play in the East-West Shrine Game in January. He was a member of Bruce Feldman of The Athletic’s “Freak List” because of his 38-inch vertical and ability to do 22 bench press reps of 225 pounds. Don’t be surprised if Thompson is one of the stars of the combine at the wideout position.

Thompson (6'1/205) made Feldman’s annual “Freaks List” that highlights the most athletic college football players of the year. Feldman called Thompson “strong and explosive” and he’s expected to raise his draft stock with his Combine results. As a redshirt senior, Thompson caught 48 passes for 647 yards (13.5 YPR) and 10 touchdowns. Up next for Thompson is the East-West Shrine Game.

Thompson (6'1/205) was largely forgettable in windy conditions in the Bahamas, but it will not be the last time we hear about him. The redshirt senior has already accepted an invite to the East-West Shrine Game this season despite battling health issues. Draft Analyst’s Tony Pauline called Thompson a sleeper in the 2019 draft, but he needs to perform well in the Shrine Game and during workouts/medicals to confirm his Day 3 status.

Thompson has battled health issues, but when he’s been able to play, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound wideout has performed well. He scored 10 touchdowns this year on “just” 43 receptions, and he had a 64/1,269/11 line in his redshirt sophomore season with Toledo. With his size and quality hands, he could be a red-zone threat, but he’ll have to test well if he’s going to get the opportunity at the highest level.